Machakos County, police arrested twelve suspects and seized 121 kilograms of bhang worth Sh1.5 million in a strategic operation conducted on Tuesday afternoon.
The operation, spearheaded by officers from the Athi River Police Station, was launched after members of the public reported suspicious activities at Kisumu Ndogo village. According to Athi River South Sub-county Police Commander Philis Muthoni, the suspects comprising ten men and two women, all middle-aged were apprehended during the 3:50 pm swoop.
“Residents reported seeing people selling and smoking bhang in the Kisumu Ndogo area within Athi River Township,” Muthoni revealed during a press briefing on Wednesday. Acting on the tip-off, a team led by the area Officer Commanding Station (OCS) quickly mobilized to trace the source of the illegal activities.
Bhang Seized from Hidden Stores
The first breakthrough came when officers discovered a locked store suspected to be a distribution hub for narcotics. The store, located approximately 3.5 kilometers from the station, was forced open, revealing a stash of 70 kilograms of unrolled bhang. Unfortunately, no arrests were made at the scene, as the premises were unoccupied at the time.
In a subsequent raid within the same Kisumu Ndogo area, officers swooped on another joint where 51 kilograms of unrolled bhang were recovered. This time, twelve individuals, including suspected peddlers and others caught smoking bhang, were arrested on the spot.
The combined haul from both raids weighed 121 kilograms and was valued at approximately Sh1.5 million in street terms.
Suspects and Evidence in Custody
The arrested suspects and the seized drugs were taken to the Athi River Police Station. Commander Muthoni confirmed that the bhang had been stored securely as evidence for prosecution. The suspects remain in custody and will be presented in court once investigations are finalized.
Community and Police Collaboration Praised
Commander Muthoni commended the local residents for their vigilance and willingness to report illegal activities. She emphasized the critical role of community-police collaboration in addressing crime.
“We appreciate the public for volunteering information that led to these arrests,” Muthoni stated. “I urge residents to continue cooperating with us. Your information will always be handled with utmost confidentiality, and you will be protected.”
A Stern Warning to Drug Peddlers
Reiterating the police’s unwavering commitment to eradicating narcotics, Muthoni warned drug peddlers to cease their activities or leave the region.
“The police and the community have declared war against drug peddlers. We will not relent in the fight against narcotics and other forms of crime,” she said firmly.
Building a Safer Community
Muthoni also assured residents of intensified efforts to keep Athi River South Sub-county safe. She urged locals to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior, reassuring them that their tips would be kept confidential.
The successful raid highlights the importance of public involvement in law enforcement, underscoring the community’s shared responsibility in creating a crime-free environment.
As police maintain their stance against narcotics, the operation serves as a stark reminder to those involved in the drug trade: Athi River is no longer a safe haven for illicit activities.
This incident marks another milestone in the fight against drugs in Kenya, setting a precedent for community-driven law enforcement initiatives aimed at safeguarding the nation’s future.
